View/Open

Date

Author

Metadata

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Condom failure has always been found to coexist with condom usage, especially
among sex workers.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the actions of female sex workers when they are faced with situations
of condom failure.
METHODS: Using the survey design, the participants were selected through the snowball sampling
method. Their responses were obtained using a structured questionnaire. A total of 100
questionnaires were analysed.
RESULTS: With respect to the immediate actions of sex workers after condom failure, 36% of the
respondents continued with the sexual encounter after noticing that the condom was broken.
Another 36% stopped immediately when they noticed that the condom had failed, but replaced
the condom; 13% of the participants stopped the sexual encounter completely; 3% applied
vaginal spermicidal foam; and 5% of the respondents stopped immediately and took a douche
when they had the chance. For the actions within the next 24 hours of experiencing condom
failure with a client, 53% of the participants did nothing; 4% sought counsel from a professional;
3% of the respondents took alcohol or drugs to forget the incident, 25% went to the clinic for
assistance and 8% offered other responses.
CONCLUSION: While continuing the sexual encounter without replacing the condom, taking
alcohol and drugs or doing nothing could increase the risk of contracting HIV; however,
actions like stopping the sexual encounter completely and visiting a clinic or a professional
could make a difference between staying HIV negative or seroconverting. There is a need for
targeted intervention to address issues of inappropriate behaviours after experiencing condom
failure.